Possum Magic (Voyager Books) [Paperback]

Mem Fox (Author), Julie Vivas (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Voyager Books

Grandma Poss uses her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more. “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.”--Children’s Book Review Service

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2 Grandma Poss uses bush magic to make Hush invisible, but when Hush wants to see herself again, Grandma can't remember which particular Australian food is needed to reverse the spell. Traveling around the continent in search of an antidote, Grandma and Hush sample Anzac biscuits, mornay, vegemite, and pavlova until the right delicacy is found. Although the characters, locales, and vocabulary are thoroughly Australian, Possum Magic has universal appeal. Fox chooses her words carefully, making readers believe that certain foods just might be magical. Vivas uses a variety of techniques, including splatter painting and washes to create full- and double-page watercolor illustrations which complement the text and will entrance readers. A perfect choice for storytimes, but also useful for curriculum enrichment, thanks to a simplified map and glossary. Jeanette Larson, Mesquite Public Library, Tex.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

MEM FOX is the author of many acclaimed books, including Possum Magic, Koala Lou, Time for Bed, and, for adults, Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. She lives in Adelaide, Australia.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152632247
• ISBN-13: 978-1862910959
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

MEM FOX is the author of many acclaimed books, including Possum Magic, Koala Lou, Time for Bed, and, for adults, Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. She lives in Adelaide, Australia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern classic, May 1, 2000

By 

saliero (NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Possum Magic (Voyager Books) (Paperback)

I used this book in a high school English course on children's picture-book literature, and I must say it enchanted the older students (14-15 year olds!) Every high school library "deserves" some good quality picture books, and this would make it onto the list everywhere.

It was also used with ESL students in that school, and the quality of the story-telling, and the humour is such that those students never felt offended or that they were being given "baby books". It also helped introduce them to a little bit of Australian cultural icons (minties, lamingtons! )

In my own home it has been a firm favourite for some time and gets repeat requests for bedtime reading.

Is this book the Australian "Where The Wild Things Are"?

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic! Informative! Fun! Educational! Magical!, October 9, 1999

By 

Beth ([e-mail]) (Connecticut, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Possum Magic (Voyager Books) (Paperback)

I read this book to a class of second graders during our unit on Australia. It was a wonderful way to review the Australian animals as well an the cities and foods of the continent. The kids loved the pictures and we took a poll asking who would try all the different foods discussed in the book. Even if you only buy this book for your own kids, it will surely prompt a discussion about other cultures, foods, etc. Well worth the cost!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A timeless classic which will delight children of all ages, September 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Possum Magic (Voyager Books) (Paperback)

Having read this beautifully illustrated and written story for over twelve years of teaching 2-5 year old children it has always been a favourite.Children sit in wonder to what might happen with Hush and Grandma poss in the story.They feel sad when at first nothing works then finally joyfull and happy with the outcome of Hush and Grandma poss adventure for a cure. Which often leads children asking me to re read it.